Reborn princess: I will change my ill-fate

Initially, she stole only quick glances, afraid he would open his eyes any time and see her. but even after an entire minute, Evan didn't once open his eyes, most likely still making wishes, so she dared to admire him quietly and secretly.

Evan's face was imprinted into Aeinshia's mind, she could remember every single detail distinctively even with her closed eyes after all these entire years of being together, closely observing him growing together since childhood and waiting for him to love her back.

There were countless nughts she went to sleep imagining him being by her side, they both living contended life with their children and empire. Him smiling at her in adoration and she giving him all the love he deserves.

His face, his features, every single expression he makes when he didn't like something, every such details were very vividly imprinted in her mind.

Ever since she fell in love with him as a kid, she had never stopped getting butterflies just by looking at his flawless face. Everytime he gets close, she becomes all jittery and tingly. 

She observed his face, tracing his sharp features with her calm eyes. With his eyes shut, Evan looked less cold and his features softened. He looked very easy to approach and to be with. 

Even after all these years, just watching him this close was enough to spread joy and warmth to every cell of her body, and today, both of them are here, praying for their future together, making her to raise on cloud nine.

She felt like after a long time, she is happy. Seeing Evan like this in front of her made her happy and satisfied. This is what she wished for, to love and be loved by him and them both staying by each others side. Always and forever. 

With such thoughts flying inside her brain, if Evan's eyes were open, then Aeinshia would have never dared to look eye to eye with him, However, that's not the case now.

Aeinshia's features softened, turning gentle as she continued staring at him, even within blinking her eyes. Her eyes travelling along his face. Her eyes travelling from his silky locks to forehead, starting from his eyes, then moving to his nose bridge and finally stopped at his lightly pinkish lips.

Mesmerized, Aeinshia forgot when time ticked by and when Evan opened his eyes and was caught red handedly by Evan while staring at him.

Just when she was about to sink in her own Dreamland, Evan opened his eyes and swiftly turned to face her.

Panic striked her, her eyes quivered intensely, not understanding how to find a way to escape from this awkward situation.

Compared to speaking some nonsense, knowing it is not easy to make him buy her stories, she thought it would be easy to cover up the whole scene this way, and simply could say she got into a trance and not because she got captured by his beauty.

Well, now she was not even scared to accept the fact. If Evan teases, so be it. She would the truth and see him getting flustered, because she knows, Evan can't handle compliments. 

...

A while ago:

Evan slowly opened his eyes and looked ahead. He could see both his and Aeinshia's reflection on the surface of the lake water. The seen is blur, but he could definitely say Aeinshia is fixedly looking at him.

At first he assumed his eyes playing with him, so he blinked his eyes twice and once again peeked at their reflection, he immediately turned to face her, their eyes meeting eachother, his brain taking in her panicked and following that the calm composed look.

By her reaction, he confirmed she is secretly admiring him. A brisk of confidence overflowed within him.

There's only a palm distance between them, his hot breath brushing her cheeks tickling her senses in contrast to the cold temperature surrounding her whole body, sending electrified shivers down her spine.

With a hint of confidence in his voice, he spoke, " Am I that good looking for you to forget blinking your eyes? Did my beauty caught you heart, princess? "

A frown formed on her forehead, as her eyes quivered heavily listening to him. Even though all he said was true, she isn't ready to admit it openly. 

Yeah, she said she would accept it, if he teases her. But, people forget. Its easier said than done. But, she would stand her ground.

" Narcissistic. Im wondering why is it taking so much time for you to make wishes, " After saying that, she pattered over and leaned her head back, looking up at him with a pitiful, feeble, and helpless expression, " Is narcissism contagious? "

The moment Aeinshia finished asking, his hold on her waist tightened reflexively, pushing her into him, as though he wanted to crush her into pieces and melt her into his body, leaning himself to her little frame, his mouth near her ears, his breath hitting her earlobes, he replied, " Yes it is, there's a live example standing right beside you. Didn't it spread it to me from you? "

He spoke, but he didn't even move a little further away from her and stayed like that.

Aeinshia immediately pushed him a little, remembering they are in public and still kids, and understood there is limit to where their intimacy can continue. It would be so bad to both for Imperial family and for the Duke household if word gets out badly about them.

Though they were betrothed, doesn't mean they could do whatever they want. They are still kids and have many things to learn and things have to wait till they get married and become official. 

Aeinshia struggled herself in his embrace, but to no vail. He isn't letting her to get free from his hold, pinning her with him.

" Evan, you are holding me very tightly, atleast lose your grip. My waist hurts, " She whined, and as expected, results were instant. In no time, he Loosened his grip on her and forgot to tease her further, only concerned about his actions towards her and his face filled with worry for her.

I should really start controlling myself. My hand reflexively wrapped around her waist and held her tightly. Now look, I ended up hurting her in the end. I need to be careful next time.

Evan didn't talk any more and looked straight, indirectly indicating her to release the boat. She looked at his side profile and understood. He is guilty and maybe feeling bad for hurting her. 

She sighed and as indicated, she finally released her hold on the boat, while Evan lightly sweeped the water, driving the boat towards the centre of the boat. He continued his actions for a minute more, then, both Aeinshia and Evan straightened their back, Evan too relased his complete hold on her, both of them eyeing the boat, as it dived further and further away from them, carrying their wishes together with it.

Not removing his gaze from the boat ahead, Aeinshia enquired, " What did you wish for, " Her voice so light and soft, but he could clearly hear it, as he stood very close to her.

A sweet smile crept on his face as he thought about it, quickly coming back to reality, he replied back, " About prosperity for our kingdom and well being of citizens, " He lied between his teeth, while his internals screamed something else.

Kingdom? Citizens? My a**, I know my capability and I am confident enough that I can continue the prosperity of out kingdom and rule the great seazle empire well with many intelligent people like father, uncle, Peter, Felix around me. I know in my reign the kingdom will surely have great bounds of wealth and resources, and can assure citizens live well here.

All I care about is you Aeinshia. I will be the emperor of this empire sooner or later, with such heavy responsibility over my shoulder, I might not get much time to spend with you or much spare time to take you for trips. I am more worried about you. Being an empress is not easy, you got to follow me through thick and thin and I am afraid about the Loathing dangers that come your way from that seat and power. So I could only wish about your safety and protection. Even though I am a crown prince, my hands will be tied when dealing with those imperial and aristocratic factions.

His face dimmed a little of its colour as he thought about future.

Aeinshia's voice made him to come back to reality, " Hmm, " She hummed, as she acknowledged his words, and believed him.

Since young he strived his best to become a good emperor to this empire, it would be unbelievable if he wished for something else.

But, even if I wasn't a part of his wishes, I can be a part of his journey for becoming a great emperor and support him behind the scenes. Under this beautiful full moon day, with our ancestors looking after us, I promise, we will become each other's support and stay together through thick and thin and survive anything. After all, two people fighting together is much greater, powerful and fruitful compared with a single person fighting over anything.

Two silent wishes were made. Though, words didnt come out, their heart spoke truthfully. Hoping for the spirits and Gods to hear their wishes and make them true.